Bankongoodwill

The RBS branch closures make perfect sense when only money is the bottom line, but Ross Mcewan and his fellow directors appear to shrug off any responsibility for the consequences to many communities all over Scotland.

Here’s an idea which they might be willing to consider. The proposed 62 closures will leave 62 bank properties empty. The directors will regard them as valuable, disposable assets, which they undoubtedly are: solid and secure, often the best building in town and at their very centre, perfect for performing the two basic services which these places fervently wish to retain – secure storage for deposit of coinage and notes and the issue of notes via ATMS.

If the bank as a goodwill gesture were to offer to rent these properties at a modest rate for, say, ten to 15 years to a local authority or local consortium of small businesses, I cannot believe that some means could not be devised for providing these vital services, albeit at a cost to users, using these purpose-built structures. Such an offer would also mark a considerable step forward in restoring society’s respect for the bank, perhaps encouraging more people to invest in it.

Scotland played a pioneering role in the development of modern banking. Let’s see some sign of that entrepreneurial spirit now with government support and encouragement.

Politicians of all parties don’t seem to realise what a voteloser this issue is if they continue to do nothing about it – and that applies throughout the UK, not just in Scotland.

ANDREW BROOM Traquair Park West, Edinburgh